{"id":1741,"date":"2022-02-15T15:48:35","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T15:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/?p=1741"},"modified":"2026-03-20T14:58:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T14:58:27","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/2022\/02\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1741\" class=\"elementor elementor-1741\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3c5d6bc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3c5d6bc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-448fafe\" data-id=\"448fafe\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9ed22b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c9ed22b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span style=\"color: var( --e-global-color-primary );, sans-serif;font-size: 2rem;text-align: center\">Marriage and Civil Partnership Questions and Answers<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-af44359 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"af44359\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5124f1d\" data-id=\"5124f1d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18a9df3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"18a9df3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1140\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Before-the-day.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-6853\" alt=\"Before the day\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Before-the-day.png 1140w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Before-the-day-300x79.png 300w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Before-the-day-1024x269.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Before-the-day-768x202.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-20a5190 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"20a5190\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8242c07\" data-id=\"8242c07\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0bdfa4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a0bdfa4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>  .faq-container {<br \/>    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;<br \/>    background-color: #fdfdfd;<br \/>    padding: 2rem;<br \/>    max-width: 800px;<br \/>    margin: auto;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item {<br \/>    background-color: #fff;<br \/>    border: 1px solid #ddd;<br \/>    border-radius: 8px;<br \/>    padding: 1.25rem;<br \/>    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;<br \/>    box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item h4 {<br \/>    font-size: 1.25rem;<br \/>    margin-top: 0;<br \/>    color: #004a99;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item p {<br \/>    font-size: 1rem;<br \/>    line-height: 1.6;<br \/>    color: #333;<br \/>    margin-top: 0.75rem;<br \/>    margin-bottom: 0;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item a {<br \/>    color: #0073e6;<br \/>    text-decoration: underline;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item a:hover {<br \/>    text-decoration: none;<br \/>  }<br \/><\/style><\/p><div class=\"faq-container\"><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Are all couples required to wait the minimum 29 day notice period?<\/h3><p>Yes, unless they are granted dispensation under exceptional circumstances.<\/p><p>The date that notices are lodged will begin the 29-day minimum notice period.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can couples who lodge notice now extend their notice period if required?<\/h3><p>No, notices are valid for a maximum of 3 calendar months. After this time, new notices must be submitted if there are any changes to the date.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>I am in the UK on a working VISA, can I get married in Scotland?<\/h3><p>If you are a national of a country outside the UK and intend to get married or register a civil partnership in Scotland, you <strong>will<\/strong> need an entry clearance.<\/p><p>If you are already in the UK and are subject to immigration control but <strong>do not<\/strong> have a visa specifically for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership, we must refer your marriage to the Home Office for approval. This can increase the notice period from 29 to 70 days, so we recommend submitting your paperwork to the registrar as early as possible. Further information is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrscotland.gov.uk\/registration\/i-want-to-get-married-in-scotland-how-do-i-go-about-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on the NRS website<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Have the regulations on face coverings changed since the last update?<\/h3><p>There are no current regulations regarding face coverings. However, members of the public are advised to follow Scottish Government guidance and are, of course, welcome to wear a face covering if they wish.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What are the differences between a marriage and a civil partnership?<\/h3><p>Couples of any gender can now choose to enter into either a marriage or a civil partnership. The Scottish Government has released a guide on the differences and legalities of each to help couples make an informed choice. You can view the guide <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gov.scot\/publications\/marriage-civil-partnership-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. Your local registrar is also happy to answer any questions.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Do I need to pay a deposit when I book my Marriage Ceremony?<\/h3><p>Yes, we require a \u00a390 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can you provide witnesses?<\/h3><p>You will need two witnesses for your wedding, both aged 16 or over. A registrar may be able to provide witnesses for ceremonies taking place Monday to Friday \u2014 this can be discussed when booking.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5e9175f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5e9175f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f587b12\" data-id=\"f587b12\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21cbebc elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon elementor-view-default elementor-widget-divider--element-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"21cbebc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon elementor-divider__element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-heart\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c613783 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c613783\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-18bd3a1\" data-id=\"18bd3a1\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c55418d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c55418d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/On-the-day.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-6855\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/On-the-day.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/On-the-day-300x83.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/On-the-day-1024x284.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/On-the-day-768x213.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/elementor\/thumbs\/On-the-day-pyks7pzivqlpbvppcgxc0bkh8vn7kdmgt9q3qmm5dw.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cfaea5b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cfaea5b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0274152\" data-id=\"0274152\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-127e9fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"127e9fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>  .faq-container {<br \/>    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;<br \/>    background-color: #fdfdfd;<br \/>    padding: 2rem;<br \/>    max-width: 900px;<br \/>    margin: auto;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item {<br \/>    background-color: #fff;<br \/>    border: 1px solid #ddd;<br \/>    border-radius: 8px;<br \/>    padding: 1.25rem;<br \/>    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;<br \/>    box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item h4 {<br \/>    font-size: 1.25rem;<br \/>    margin-top: 0;<br \/>    color: #004a99;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item p {<br \/>    font-size: 1rem;<br \/>    line-height: 1.6;<br \/>    color: #333;<br \/>    margin-top: 0.75rem;<br \/>    margin-bottom: 0;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item a {<br \/>    color: #0073e6;<br \/>    text-decoration: underline;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-item a:hover {<br \/>    text-decoration: none;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-warning {<br \/>    background-color: #fff3cd;<br \/>    border-left: 6px solid #ffc107;<br \/>    padding: 1em;<br \/>    border-radius: 6px;<br \/>    margin-top: 1rem;<br \/>  }<\/p>\n<p>  .faq-warning strong {<br \/>    color: #856404;<br \/>  }<br \/><\/style><\/p><div class=\"faq-container\"><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What difference is there between a Registrar and a Non-Belief\/Faith Celebrant?<\/h3><p>If the ceremony is conducted by a registrar, the paperwork and ceremony arrangements are included as one service. A civil ceremony is conducted by a registrar who can add personalised content.<\/p><p>When using a non-belief or faith celebrant, you still need to contact the local registrar to complete the legal paperwork. The marriage schedule must be collected during the week of the wedding by the couple and returned to the registrar within 3 days after the ceremony.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What time\/days of the week do you conduct your ceremonies?<\/h3><p>Ceremonies are carried out Monday to Saturday during times set by the local registrar. If you have special requirements, please let us know and we will explore options with you.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Where can I have my ceremony?<\/h3><p>Anywhere with the owner\u2019s permission! That could be a hotel, boat, beach, garden, old school, tea room \u2014 even the place where you first met.<\/p><p>We\u2019ll just need a copy of the venue&#8217;s public liability insurance and will arrange a pre-ceremony visit. Each area also has its own ceremony rooms available for bookings.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>If we are getting married outside, what happens if it\u2019s raining on the day?<\/h3><p>When booking your ceremony, your registrar will explain that you must have a wet weather alternative in case of poor conditions.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>How much does it cost for a civil wedding?<\/h3><p>Fees vary depending on where and when your wedding takes place. Please see our <a href=\"#\">fees and charges page<\/a> for details, or contact us for a quote.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>How long can a ceremony last?<\/h3><p>Your ceremony can be as short or as long as you wish! We\u2019ll discuss ideas and timing with you after you&#8217;ve submitted your paperwork.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>How can I make my ceremony special or unique?<\/h3><p>Our website\u2019s &#8220;Ceremonies&#8221; tab has lots of ideas for enhancements. You\u2019re also welcome to discuss your thoughts with a registrar by phone, email or in person when submitting your paperwork.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can we include music?<\/h3><p>Absolutely! We have music available in our offices, or you can bring your own. Bluetooth and CD playback are available. Live music is also an option \u2014 it&#8217;s your day, your way!<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>If I wanted my ceremony to have some religious element to it, would that be okay?<\/h3><p>You can include religious elements if you wish. We simply ask that a guest or family member reads out any religious wording during the ceremony.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What pen can I use to sign my marriage schedule?<\/h3><p>Signatures must be made with a fountain pen using archive-quality permanent black ink, as schedules are permanent legal records.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What name do I sign on my marriage schedule?<\/h3><p>You must sign using the name that appears on your marriage schedule, as declared on your marriage notices.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Do we have to have wedding rings?<\/h3><p>Rings are optional. Choosing not to exchange rings won\u2019t affect the validity of your marriage. Your registrar will confirm this with you before the big day.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can we have photographs taken and a film recording of our ceremony?<\/h3><p>Yes \u2014 we\u2019re happy for photos and video to be taken during the ceremony, as long as it doesn\u2019t distract from the dignity of the occasion.<\/p><p>We may also ask for permission to use a few photos on our social media or website (entirely optional, of course).<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can we throw confetti?<\/h3><p>Confetti is welcome \u2014 but only outside the building. Please ask guests to dispose of packaging responsibly.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What if something changes on the day?<\/h3><p>If any details on your marriage or civil partnership schedule are no longer correct (e.g. a witness changes or weather affects the location), please refer to our <a href=\"#\">Amendments to a Schedule<\/a> page for guidance.<\/p><div class=\"faq-warning\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> Under no circumstances should you or your celebrant make changes directly on the official schedule (the yellow paper).<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a11a245 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a11a245\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-df5bdd9\" data-id=\"df5bdd9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e069082 elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon elementor-view-default elementor-widget-divider--element-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e069082\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon elementor-divider__element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-heart\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7b0426b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7b0426b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ad4eae6\" data-id=\"ad4eae6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec58385 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ec58385\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"202\" src=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/married-768x202.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-6856\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/married-768x202.png 768w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/married-300x79.png 300w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/married-1024x269.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/married.png 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bc50e9b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bc50e9b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c1b5736\" data-id=\"c1b5736\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d2a05d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d2a05d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-container\"><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>How long do I need to wait after my wedding before getting my marriage certificate?<\/h3><p>If you have a <strong>civil ceremony<\/strong>, your registrar will register the marriage upon returning to the office and post your certificate the same day.<\/p><p>For a <strong>religious or other belief ceremony<\/strong>, the signed marriage schedule must be returned to the registrar within 3 days. Once returned, your marriage will be registered and the certificate posted that day.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>How do I change my name once I am married?<\/h3><p>In Scotland, there\u2019s no formal name change process after marriage. You may assume your spouse\u2019s surname, double-barrel your names, or simply keep your own. The choice is entirely yours!<\/p><p>Here\u2019s what to know, depending on your choice:<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h4>Taking your husband\u2019s or wife\u2019s name after marriage<\/h4><p>Send a copy of your marriage certificate to the relevant authorities \u2014 such as the DVLA, your bank, and your employer. Always check if they need an original or will accept a copy.<\/p><p>You can also apply for a new passport. If you&#8217;re planning to honeymoon under your new name, you can apply in advance.<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/changing-passport-information\/name-marriage-and-civil-partnership\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">More info on changing your passport<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h4>Keeping your surname<\/h4><p>If you choose to keep your surname, no action is needed. Your personal records and identification will remain unchanged.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h4>Using a double-barrelled name<\/h4><p>To double-barrel your surname, simply send copies of your marriage certificate to relevant authorities along with a note stating your new name (and whether it\u2019s hyphenated or not).<\/p><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>I\u2019ve lost my marriage certificate \u2014 how much is a replacement?<\/h3><p>A replacement costs <strong>\u00a310 within the calendar month<\/strong> of your marriage. After that, it&#8217;s <strong>\u00a315<\/strong>.<\/p><p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/copy-certificates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">order additional copies of your marriage certificate online<\/a> or by contacting one of our<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/areas-argyll-bute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">registration offices<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marriage and Civil Partnership Questions and Answers Are all couples required to wait the minimum 29 day notice period? Yes, unless they are granted dispensation under exceptional circumstances. The date that notices are lodged will begin the 29-day minimum notice period. Can couples who lodge notice now extend their notice period if required? No, notices [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-info"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1741"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11227,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1741\/revisions\/11227"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argyll-bute.gov.uk\/marriage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}